It's been a busy start for the sailors

What a year it's been so far as the teams gear up for the greatest race on water...

November 2016 saw the end to the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series events with Land Rover BAR taking the regatta and overall series win. But with little time to recuperate, the teams quickly got to work on preparing for the ultimate event - the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda. We've seen a lot happen since the beginning of the year - here are some of the highlights:

Boat Launches

MAGIC BLUE - Artemis Racing

HIKARI - SoftBank Team Japan

RITA - Land Rover BAR

AC50 - Orcale Team USA

GROUPAMA TEAM FRANCE

NEW ZEALAND - Emirates Team New Zealand

The Rules

One of the unique aspects of the America's Cup is that the winning team and respective yacht club become the trustees of the event and are therefore responsible for outlining the terms of the next edition. This has previously led to last minute rule changes, teams being disbanded and expensive equipment being made redundant.

However, January saw five of the teams; Oracle Team USA, Land Rover BAR, Groupama Team France, Artemis Racing and SoftBank Team Japan, sign a new framework agreement that determines the format of the next two editions; the 36th and 37th America's Cup. This now allows teams to plan for the future, knowing how much it will cost, what kind of boat they need to build and that the rules won't change on them. It is also hoped that this type of consistency will make it more accessible to sports fans around the world with the events taking place every two years and the belief that the new protocols will double team entries.

Emirates Team New Zealand have yet to agree to the framework which could mean further changes if the team go on to win the trophy.

Making The Headlines

It's all in the legs?

Emirates Team New Zealand took the limelight last month as their most evident innovation to their new boat was revealed - a cycling grinding system as opposed to the traditional arm grinders. Could this new source of power be a game changer and trophy winning move by the Kiwis?

A sigh of relief

Sailor Graeme Spence from Oracle Team USA was thrown overboard during a team practice session this February. It was a close call as you can see from the photo where he narrowly misses the sharp foil. Luckily the sailor was unharmed and was soon back on board.

The opening ceremony is unveiled!

Organisers of the 35th America's Cup have announced that racing will now start at 5pm on Friday, May 26th. Before the match kicks off, the opening ceremony will be held in the America's Cup Village where fans and guests can enjoy music, live performers, fireworks, Red Bull skydivers and some exciting entertainment.

The teams continue to train hard every day and prepare for their chance to win the America's Cup and there is still a chance for you to witness this moment. Take a look at our Bermuda packages which include tickets to watch the racing from onboard our exclusive spectator boats.